Gadsden was an essential agent of the Civil War, and it played a significant role in Alabama’s rise as a southern industrial power.
Gadsden is for you if you long for a beautiful city with many mountains, ocean views, and a touch of Civil War history! Gadsden city is in the county seat of Etowah County in the U.S. state of Alabama.
It is located on the Coosa River, approximately 56 miles northeast of Birmingham and 90 miles southwest of Chattanooga, Tennessee. There are many unique places to visit in Gadsden. So, if you’re planning your next visit or vacation with family and friends, include it in your list.
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Here is a guide to the 15 Best Things to do in Gadsden, Alabama
I’m sure you can’t wait! But it’s not enough to desire a place, you must get familiar with its environs too. So, feel relaxed as I take you on a journey of the best & fun things to do in Gadsden, AL.
1. Enjoy the Day at the Noccalula Falls Park
Visiting this park is one of the best things to do in Gadsden, AL. Noccalula Falls Park is one of the most attractive places in the city where family members can meet and bond. There are lovely shrubs, flowers, and gardens that you can view on a miniature train ride or while strolling the park.
If you have the kids with you, they can enjoy being close to the Petting Zoo’s Pioneer Village. Also, Noccalula Falls Park makes available a playground for kids, a souvenir shop, and picnic pavilions. In summary, you will experience top-notch enjoyment!
Address: 1500 Noccalula Road,Gadsden, AL 35904, USA
2. Learn About History at Central Carver Legacy Museum
If you want complete information about African-American history, visit and explore the Central Carver Legacy Museum to learn about history. Some significant activities include insightful seminars, training, special exhibits, and guided tours.
Additionally, the museum promotes the active involvement of the alumni in particular events like art exhibitions, monthly observances, local school events, etc.
Address: 1030 Tuscaloosa Ave, Gadsden, AL 35901, United States
3. Check out the Amazing Works of Art at The Walnut Gallery
One of the most beautiful things to do in Gadsden, Al, is to check out the unique artworks at The Walnut Gallery. It is a contemporary art gallery and a fine arts school that allows the exchange and transmission of cultural ideas.
Also, the gallery hosts art exhibitions, independent film screenings, public lectures, concerts, poetry readings, and so on.
The Walnut Gallery functions with the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the Gadsden city. It aims at being a cultural resource of Northeast Alabama. It also promises you a swell time in all the hosted events.
Address: 806 Walnut St, Gadsden, AL 35901, United States
4. Explore Local History at the Gadsden Museum of Art
Gadsden Museum of Art was established in 1963 and is located on Broad Street. In the past, the museum changed location many times before finally settling in Downtown Gadsden. It was in 1965 that the Gadsden Museum of Art displayed its first exhibit.
The museum is subdivided into three art galleries. The first floor displays shows and exhibitions. The gallery on the second floor is known as the Grand Gallery, and it often hosts exhibitions displaying objects from the museum’s permanent collection.
There are artifacts, photographs, and other local historical items on the third floor.
Address: 515 Broad St, Gadsden, AL 35901, United States
5. Get Engrossed with Culture at Mort Glosser Amphitheater
Whenever you visit Gadsden, AL, stop by the Mort Glosser Amphitheater because it would make your trip worthwhile. The Mort Glosser Amphitheater was built in 1935 using local sandstones, giving it a unique look.
The outdoor theatre has a half-hexagon-shaped sitting arena with a timber frame, club room, and stone arch. Additionally, during the Second World War, the amphitheater was used to entertain service members from neighboring camps.
Afterward, it has been staging live music concerts, summer plays, boxing matches, and political rallies. In fact, during summer, free shows are staged every first Friday of the month.
Address: 90 Walnut St, Gadsden, AL 35901, United States
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6. Take a Tour of the Etowah Memorial Bridge
A tour of the Etowah Memorial Bridge is one of the best things to do in Gadsden, AL. The bridge was constructed in 1927 and has been in memory of martyrs who lost their lives in World War I. It is also called the Coosa River Bridge because it was constructed over the Coosa River.
You can catch beautiful views of the city from the Etowah bridge. The bridge is made of a concrete arch and has a memorial plaque at the entrance. So, include it in your next trip and take a camera to capture the memories.
Address: Gadsden, Alabama
7. Explore the Back Forty Beer Company
Back Forty Beer Company is located in a red-brick warehouse that has existed since the 1940s. Their beer is award-winning and second to none.
The brewery’s name refers to an old agricultural concept of the most fertile land. It offers ales like ‘Naked Pig’ and ‘Truck Stop Honey.’ Not only do they provide excellent beers, but they also offer unique delicacies at Back Forty Test Kitchen.
Back Forty Beer Company is friendly and welcomes guests heartily. So, you can expect a warm welcome whenever you visit.
Address: 200 N 6th St, Gadsden, AL 35901, United States
8. Shop at Gadsden Variety Antique Mall
Gadsden Variety Antique Mall is located in the heart of downtown. It has many antique stores selling silk flowers, furniture, live ferns, and art pieces. Experience the olden days’ style of shopping by walking through the mall’s old creaky wooden floors.
After shopping or strolling around the mall, there’s a cafe where you can rest. Customers have reviewed their products to be reasonable and more affordable than other antique stores.
Address: 422 Broad St, Gadsden, AL 35901, United States
9. Express your Creativity at Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts
Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts is a non-profit center for arts in the city of Gadsden, and it started operating in 1990. The center is located inside an old departmental store, which has been renovated.
Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts shows many visual performances and traveling art exhibitions. The center’s entrance has a tri-color cylinder, and the building has a triangular rooftop. Additionally, visitors can relax between April and September and enjoy several concerts in its courtyard.
Address: 501 Broad St, Gadsden, AL 35901, United States
10. Play Golfat the RTJ Golf Trails at Silver Lakes
RTJ Golf Trails at Silver Lakes is located on a rolling terrain between Gadsden and Anniston in Northeast Alabama. The golf course provides magnificent vistas of the neighboring Appalachian foothills.
However, in 2011, a destructive tornado caused immense havoc on this golf course. And it went through renovations which have changed its look. It is important to note that the renovated golf course, coupled with its trail clubhouse and the lake, has become the most beautiful golf course on the trail, with 36 holes.
Address: 1 Sunbelt Pkwy, Gadsden, AL 35905, United States
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11. Marvel atthe Legendary Noccalula Falls
Noccalula Falls is a waterfall named after a Cherokee maiden: a Native American Princess called Noccalula.
The Legend of Noccalula tells of her upcoming marriage, prearranged by her father. Her heart was set on another young brave of her tribe. And sadly, on her wedding day, dressed in her ceremonial attire, Noccalula leaped to her death into the Black Creek Canyon.
The famous Noccalula Falls is situated inside the city’s Noccalula Falls Park. Also, the princess statue is placed along the trails of the park. Here, you can see the best fall view during winter and spring because water is available. However, it doesn’t matter when you visit the falls; they always look beautiful.
So, to enjoy perfect views, stroll across the bridge that crosses the falls. You can also savor the 360-degree vistas of these falls and the lush parkland from the bridge.
Address: Noccalula Falls, Gadsden, AL 35904, USA
12. Go Fishing at the Neely Henry Lake
You can relax and entertain yourself at the Neely Henry Lake in Gadsden, AL. With its deep water and many miles of shoreline, this lake attracts fishermen from various parts of the United States of America. Neely Henry Park houses different kinds of fish, like Largemouth bass, Bluegill, White crappie, and others.
Additionally, fishermen can choose to fish from the shore or take a boat out in the lake. Visitors who don’t want to fish in the lake can stroll to Neely Henry Dam or spend time catching birds at Ten Islands Historical Park.
Adrenaline junkies and outdoor travelers can rent mountain bikes and tour the expansive forest trails and pathways.
Address: Alabama 36271, USA
13. Play Bingo at the Gadsden Bingo Center
Here, you can network and meet friendly people to win many bucks. The center gives room for kids 12 years and above and adults to have an excellent time.
It also supports local charities from its proceeds. It is a fantastic place to spend your next visit to Gadsden, AL.
Address: 1206 Alabama Ave, Gadsden, AL 35901, United States
14. Surf the Beautiful Exhibits of Imagination Place
One of the best things to do in Gadsden, AL, is to check out Imagination Place. It is a museum for children between 2-10 years, and it is located on Broad Street. It is also part of the city’s Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts and provides optimum fun.
So, if you desire a place to spend time with your little ones on Gadsden, you can consider Imagination Place. It instills essential educational experiences in children.
Additionally, the permanent exhibit of the museum is called KidsTown USA. It provides scaled versions of a farm, pirate ship, farm, construction pit, medical clinic, and many others.
Address: 501 Broad St, Gadsden, AL 35901, United States
15. Get Varieties of Goods at Gadsden Mall
One of the things to do in Gadsden, AL, is to shop for various goods at Gadsden Mall. It is located at the interchange of U.S. Route 411 and Interstate 759. It contains many attractive stores too.
Though the mall is small, its Book-A-Million store has outstanding stock. There are also fashion stores in the mall where you can select clothes. If you feel hungry after shopping, there’s no need to worry. They have an excellent spot where you can munch on some delicacies.
Address: 1001 Rainbow Dr, Gadsden, AL 35901, United States
Plan a Trip to Gadsden, Alabama
There are many things to do in Gadsden, AL, and this article has successfully explained most of them. I’m sure you don’t want to miss out on the mindblowing experiences you can have here.
The city of Gadsden receives visitors from different parts of the world who shop at their malls and check out their Golf courses, Art galleries, and Dining facilities. So, be set to create a lovely time full of memories with your loved ones whenever you visit.
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